Yeats’s quote serves as a reminder that education isn’t intended to be an exercise in filling the empty cup to ensure students are learning as much detail as possible but, rather, an endeavor to ignite a spark that instills in them a desire to reach their greatest potential.
In many classrooms across America, including K–12 and higher learning institutions, educators are “teaching to the test” while students rotely repeat what they know to earn the highest score possible. But the greatest learning and growth happens when students identify their passions, engage their curiosity and creativity and pursue avenues of interest that appeal to them.
Educational institutions like Hampton Roads International Montessori School (HRIMS), located on Jefferson Avenue, are in the business of offering individualized attention to each student, using innovative and specialized interactive material to foster learning that recognizes the value each student brings to the table.
Marie Montessori’s brainchild, the Montessori school system, originated in Italy. Based on this program, students are taught at their own pace, in small groups with tailored lessons designed to match their development, rather than structuring them by grade level. Classrooms are multi-age and are taught in three-year cycles, where students stay with the same teacher during the cycle.
While in the three-year cycle, students have their own work plans based on their preferences, allowing them to figure out what they work on and in what order. “By the time they get to college and get to pick their own classes, they can do so based on an understanding of themselves and what works best for them,” says Michelle D’Antonio, head of school.
In addition to having individually tailored educational plans, Hampton Roads Montessori students are taught practical life skills, such as cleaning up after themselves, making their own snacks, doing their own laundry, etc., thereby growing them into self-sufficient adults, says D’Antonio. This type of skills-based learning, along with learning how to conduct research and give professional presentations, enhances students’ individual confidence; confidence necessary to be successful business leaders.
Regardless of the path HR Montessori students choose, the goal of the system is to help them discover who they are, the talents they possess and to hone in on those passions that motivate them to grow into responsible adults capable of making independent decisions.
Because of its well developed program, student growth jumped from 84 to 220 students in the past five years, and its peer-mentoring where older students help train the younger ones, Hampton Roads International Montessori School received the Coastal Virginia Gold Medal for Best Private School on the Peninsula and overall Gold for Best Child Development on the Peninsula and Southside.
D’Antonio readily admits she misses her time in the classroom and regular interactions with students but she is quick to add how much she enjoys administration and the outstanding staff with whom she gets to work.
Without question, D’Antonio knows how to get the job done. She’s up every morning at 4:45 and, of course, her evenings end early. “You probably don’t want to call me at 8:00 p.m.,” she quips.
During those waking hours, when she’s not at the helm of HRIMS, D’Antonio enjoys kayaking with her dogs, which she affectionally refers to as “mutts,” along with hiking, going to the beach and virtually anything she can do outdoors.
D’Antonio’s high-spirited attitude and focus ensure that those with whom she works and the students under her care will thrive. “Everybody has a place — a person’s strength and what they have to give is what we look for,” she says.
TO THE POINT:
Hampton Roads International Montessori School (HRIMS)
Address: 11790 Jefferson Ave., Ste. 200, Newport News, VA 23606
Contact: Michelle D’Antonio, head of school
Phone: 757-873-8950
Email: mdantonio@hrimontessori.org
Website: hrimontessori.org
